#automotive

diane_a@diasp.org

#RightToRepair #DIY #hacking #Linux #automotive #ergonomics

So my car is paid off. Time to rip out the horrifically annoying touchscreen and replace it with real mechanical pushbuttons. No more eyes off the road to play a video game of pop-ups and moving controls on a virtual screen that cannot be seen during daylight or in traffic.

What I have in my hands is a familiar automotive control from the 1980's from my beloved Honda Accord when ergonomics peaked.

I may replace the area left over with a small touchscreen with an embedded #Linux that I'll compile with all the features I want, not a marketing contractor that never drove a car in their life before. As a bonus, all the privacy stealing telemetry of #SirusXM and their several hundred third party partners like #Carfax and #LexisNexis and my insurance will no longer mysteriously email me with my current mileage and what service I need. This car is mine now, not a #privacy nightmare.

I may keep this car for many more years. I plan on converting it to full electric after I finish this. And use my own customizable touchscreen to experiment with new features before committing them to physical buttons.

olddog@diasp.org

https://365daysofmotoring.com/the-famous-mg-sports-car-brand-not-seen-on-a-volume-sports-car-since-1980-was-revived-when-the-rover-group-unveiled-the-new-mgf-sports-car-which-went-on-sale-in-the-autumn-of-1995/

Friday 17th February 1995

The famous MG sports car brand, not seen on a volume sports car since 1980, was revived when the Rover Group unveiled the new MGF sports car which went on sale in the autumn of 1995. It was powered by a 1.8 L K-Series 16-valve engine, the basic having 118 hp (87 kW) while the more powerful VVC (variable valve control) had 143 hp (107 kW). Rover Special Projects oversaw the development of the F’s design and before finalising the styling bought-in outside contractors to determine the most appropriate mechanical configuration for the new car. Steve Harper of MGA Developments produced the initial design concept in January 1991 (inspired by the Jaguar XJR-15 and the Ferrari 250LM), before Rover’s in house design team refined the concept under the leadership of Gerry McGovern. An interesting feature of the F was its Hydragas suspension, a system employing interconnected fluid and gas displacers which provided a surprisingly compliant ride but which could be tuned to provide excellent handling characteristics. The MG F quickly shot to the top of the affordable sports car charts in Britain and remained there until the introduction of the MG TF in 2002.

#Cars #Motoring #Automotive #MG #OnThisDay

olddog@diasp.org

https://365daysofmotoring.com/the-mercedes-benz-260d-the-worlds-first-production-diesel-powered-passenger-car-debuted-at-the-berlin-auto-show/

Saturday 15th February 1936

The Mercedes-Benz 260D – the world’s first production diesel-powered passenger car – debuted at the Berlin Auto Show. Based on the 200 model, the 260D used a 2.6-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially had a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938. One of the diesel powerplant’s main benefits – then as now – was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump. The SS and Gestapo made use of these vehicles for more sinister purposes – the hunting of Jews. If one saw the 260D coming, trouble was to be expected. The Mercedes 260D ultimately became associated as an infamous “Death Mobile” instead of known as the first diesel passenger car.

#Cars #Motoring #Automotive #OnThisDay #WWII #History

olddog@diasp.org

https://365daysofmotoring.com/bmws-stylistically-and-technologically-innovative-flagship-model-the-70-mph-bmw-326-was-launched-at-the-26th-german-international-motor-show-berlin/

Friday 15th February 1935

BMW’s stylistically and technologically innovative flagship model, the 70 mph BMW 326, was launched at the 26th German International Motor Show Berlin. Available as a saloon, a two-door and four-door convertible, it was the first BMW to sport a streamlined body, a hydraulic braking system and a concealed spare wheel. The car featured a 2 litre 6 cylinder engine with two carburettors, whose power of 50 bhp was transmitted to the wheels in 1st and 2nd gear by a partially synchronised four-speed transmission with freewheel. Daimler-Benz presented the new car models 170 V (W 136) and 170 H (W 28) as well as the model 260 D (W 138), the world’s first series-produced diesel passenger car at the show.

#Cars #Motoring #Automotive #OnThisDay

olddog@diasp.org

https://365daysofmotoring.com/john-boyd-dunlop-a-scottish-inventor-was-issued-a-patent-for-his-pneumatic-tyre/

Friday 7th December 1888

John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish inventor, was issued a patent for his pneumatic tyre. In 1887, when his 9-year-old son had complained of the rough ride he experienced on his tricycle over the cobbled streets of Belfast, Dunlop had devised and fitted rubber air tubes held on to a wooden ring by tacking a linen-covering fixed around the wheels. Due to the major improvement in riding comfort, Dunlop continued development until he patented the idea.

#Cars #Bicycles #Motoring #Automotive #Invention #PneumaticTyre #OnThisDay

olddog@diasp.org

http://365daysofmotoring.com/showonthisday/article/13396

On This Day
Tuesday 19th October 1982
40 years ago

After being caught on film during an FBI sting operation trying to broker a $24 million cocaine deal, John D. DeLorean, pioneer of the Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO and builder of the DeLorean DMC-12, was arrested on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. Two years later a federal jury ruled that he was a victim of entrapment, and DeLorean was acquitted of all charges. Nevertheless, the debacle ruined his credibility, and John DeLorean's fall from the top of the automotive industry was complete. He died from a stroke at the age of 80, on March 19, 2005.
John DeLorean
John DeLorean
#Cars #Automotive #OnThisDay